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The Blazers, who matched the Warriors on Thursday with 28 wins, have quietly carved out a spot near the top of the West, writes Michael Wallace. Story

Portland trailed 48-43 at halftime after getting beat in nearly every statistical category and shooting 2 of 14 from 3-point range. The Blazers needed a boost, and found a willing participant in the Heat, who haven’t fared well during third quarters this season, particularly the past few weeks.

Portland outscored Miami 33-16 in the third, jumping on the Heat (15-21) by starting the period on a 17-6 run. Matthews and Lillard hit back-to-back 3-pointers during the first 3 minutes, then Kaman scored six consecutive points — all on layups.

The Blazers, outrebounded 26-22 in the first half, beat Miami 13-3 on the boards during the third quarter.

“I think we got back to our tempo. In the first half, we kind of played at their pace,” Matthews said.

Portland coach Terry Stotts said he went with a bigger lineup in the second half.

“We just came out with a little more energy, a little more focus,” Stotts said. “We played a very good defensive second half. Obviously the third quarter made a big difference. We got a rhythm to our shots, got out and played in the flow a little bit. … The second half was the way we needed to play.”

The third quarter performance left Miami coach Eric Spoelstra frustrated, but not surprised. In their last three losses, the Heat have been outscored 102-46 in the third.

“It’s simply not enough. We need a breakthrough in those moments. We have to find a way. Tonight it was simply a matter of not playing hard enough during those minutes when they made their run,” Spoelstra said.

“Look, we’ve seen this movie. We can play with anyone, anywhere, in any building for 42 minutes. That ain’t enough in this league.”

“The past few games we’ve been seeing how many holes we can dig ourselves out of, so we were taking better care of the ball tonight,” Matthews said.

Leading 74-62 heading into the fourth quarter, the Blazers broke it open when Matthews and Allen Crabbe hit consecutive 3-pointers to key an 8-0 run that gave Portland an 86-69 lead. The Blazers led by as many as 23 points.

TIP-INS

Heat: G Shabazz Napier rejoined the Heat after playing three games with the Sioux Fall Skyforce of the NBA Development League. Napier averaged 18.6 points and four assists with the Skyforce. He was scoreless in 5 minutes against Portland. … Also returning was C Justin Hamilton, who missed the past nine games because of a concussion.

Trail Blazers: Portland announced it has extended the contract of general manager Neil Olshey through the 2018-19 season. Olshey, hired in 2012, was also named president of basketball operations. … The Blazers have held eight of their past 11 opponents to fewer than 100 points. Portland is 21-2 when opponents fail to score 100 this season.

MATTHEWS BOUNCES BACK

Matthews was questionable for the game after hyperextending his left knee in Monday’s win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Matthews ended up starting and playing 30 minutes against the Heat, shooting 6 of 10 with two rebounds and five assists. “If you hadn’t known that he had an issue last game, I wouldn’t have said I noticed anything,” Stotts said.

BIG NUMBERS

Lillard became the first player since LeBron James and Wade (2004-06) with at least 4,000 points and 1,200 assists in his first 200 NBA games. Lillard is the fifth player to accomplish that feat since 1985.